Today, many consumers encounter the B Corp logo across a variety of products, including electronics, clothing, and food items. This certification is rapidly gaining traction within the wine industry, with over 9,000 companies globally now certified as B Corps.
In the United States, Oregon boasts a notable collection of B Corp wineries such as A to Z Wineworks and Et Fille. In the Champagne region, EPI Group’s brands—Piper-Heidsieck, Charles Heidsieck, and Rare—were pioneers in obtaining this designation. The UK’s Ridgeview was among the first to adopt this certification, followed by Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite.
B Corp certification is administered by the non-profit organization B Lab, which was established in 2006. It evaluates companies on social and environmental performance, transparency, and legal accountability through a rigorous assessment process. Companies must answer numerous questions regarding governance, employee welfare, environmental impact, community involvement, and customer relations. A score of 80 points or more allows a company to earn certification, which must be renewed every three years at a cost determined by the company’s size.
Achieving B Corp status often necessitates significant structural changes within a company, compelling it to reassess its supply chains, employment practices, and overall environmental impact. This certification symbolizes that a B Corp is committed to stakeholder interests beyond just profit, aligning perfectly with the values of ethical consumers.
While larger companies may have the resources and motivation to pursue B Corp certification, it is essential to remember that it should represent the minimum expectation in their broader sustainability strategies. However, the B Corp label can also raise skepticism when associated with large multinationals or finance firms that might engage in marginal labor practices.
As scrutiny of the wine industry intensifies concerning labor and human rights issues, B Corp certification remains a valuable credential for businesses committed to adhering to ethical and environmental standards.
Greenhushing
This term refers to when companies refrain from discussing their sustainability achievements to avoid backlash over insufficient efforts or to sidestep accusations of greenwashing.
Featured Wine
Château Maris, Brama, Vin de France 2021
Score: 94
Price: POA £ Armit
This 100% Grenache Gris from Languedoc is celebrated for its refined, radiant, and refreshing qualities, featuring notes of meadowsweet, white blossom, and lemon sherbet, harmonizing with richer flavors of wildflower honey and cooked apples. It is the first European winery to receive B Corp certification, with an optimal drinking period from 2024 to 2030 and an alcohol content of 14%.